Renewable Energy Projects - Handbook
Renewable Energy Projects - Handbook
Renewable Energy Projects - Handbook
By
Jim Gibson, Sue Isermann, Jamie Gahm and Rose Marie Lynch
August 2013
Supported by National Science
Foundation Grant #1003730
ii
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to acknowledge the assistance of Illinois Valley Community College,
the National Science Foundation, Quincy University, and the teachers who developed
the modules in this handbook. The material in this handbook is based upon work
supported by the N.S.F. under grant #1003730 (Preparing a New Workforce for a
Sustainable Economy), the development of programs for renewable energy technicians
at IVCC, and a graduate-level course offered for teachers through Quincy College. Any
opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are
those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science
Foundation.
NSF Grant Principal Investigator: Jim Gibson, Program Coordinator of Electronics
jim_gibson@ivcc.edu
NSF Grant Co-PIs:
Sue Isermann, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
sue_isermann@ivcc.edu
Jamie Gahm, Director of Continuing Education and Business Serivces
jamie_gahm@ivcc.edu
Rose Marie Lynch, Communications Instructor
rosemarie_lynch@ivcc.edu
The cover image is from the Image Gallery of the National Renewable Energy Lab
(NREL), U.S. Department of Energy, at http://images.nrel.gov. NREL offers images for
free download, display, use and copy.
iii
Table of Contents
Middle School Activities
Introduction to Renewable Energy1
Solar Energy Unit.5
Wind Turbines as an Alternative Energy Source...13
High School Activities
Alternative Fuel Lesson: Driver Education 23
Angular and Linear Speed of Wind Turbines: Geometry...31
Residence: Alternative Sustainable Energy System.39
Community College Activities
Sustainable Energy Planning.44
Biofuels: Cellulosic Ethanol Lab....51
The Effects of Wind Obstructions on the Power Generation of
Wind Turbines55
Appendix: Course Plan...61
Additional Resources67
While the activities in this handbook were developed with specific student groups in
mind, many of these activities are adaptable to varying ages of students.
iv
Background: This lesson plan will be used to enhance the sixth grade
science chapter on the major energy sources and energy efficiency and
conservation.
The objective is to provide a hands-on lesson to increase the students
awareness to energy efficiency. Solar energy will be discussed in this lesson
but the other alternative energies will be discussed as well.
Activity 1: Introduction
The students will be asked to do the What a Day! activity (below), and
then share and discuss their decisions.
What a Day
You wake up one morning and find all your sources of energy are gone.
There is no TV, sour milk in the refrigerator, no lights. What will you do?
Devise a survival plan for you and your family.
Materials:
Science journals
Student guides (background information from manual)
Computer lab
DMM
Solar panel
Red and black clip lead
Red and black jumper
Motor
Sunshine
Activity 2: Research
Procedure: In the science journal the student will write what he thinks he
knows, what he wants to know, and after doing some research in the
computer lab, what he learned.
Suggested websites for videos:
www.nationalgeographic.com/video/environment/energy
www.neok12.com/solar-energy
www.science.howstuffworks.com
www.teachertube.com/viewvideo
Suggested websites:
www.energy.gov/kids
www.eia.doe.gov/kids
www.energystar.gov/kids
www.nrel.gov
www.eere.energy.gov
www.energy.sandia.gov
www.nasa.gov
www.southwestpv.com
2
The student will demonstrate how a solar panel reacts to direct and indirect
rays from the sun in order to produce electricity.
The student will understand why solar panels must be oriented at the proper
angle to the light source for maximum electrical output.
ASSESSMENT
Overview : 4 5 days
Day 1
Objective: Students will be able to understand how solar panels work.
Introduction:
Have you ever seen solar panels on a house or business?
How do you think they work?
Discussion assess for prior knowledge.
Instructions:
Evaluation: Teacher will monitor that students are labeling their solar panel diagram.
Check for understanding after the video through discussion.
Day 2
Objective: Students will be measuring and comparing the DC voltage output from the
solar panel with different lighting situations.
Introduction: We will be measuring the voltage that the solar panel will be producing.
This activity was obtained, but modified, through GREENtech Energy Efficiency &
Renewable Energy Training Lab Book by Graymark.
Materials needed: everything will be located in tubs labeled for each lab station.
3 volt solar cell
Digital multimeter
Red Jumper
Black Jumper
Black clip lead
Red clip lead
Clamp on light
40, 60 &100 watt light bulb
Ruler
Instructions
1. Get out the Digital Multimeter (DMM). Set the dial to 20Volt DC range turning it
to the right side of the meter.
2. Plug the Black Jumper into the Black Solar Panel jack.
3. Connect one end of the Black clip lead to the other end of the black jumper.
4. Connect the other end of the Black clip lead to the Black DMM Lead.
5. Plug the Red Jumper into the Red Solar Panel jack.
6. Connect one end of the Red clip lead to the other end of the Red Jumper.
Procedure
1. Get out the chart that you will be recording voltage on. The reading should be
between 0.5 volts and 3.0 volts. The exact reading will depend on the amount of
light reaching the Solar Panel.
2. Classroom lights will be off. Read and record on your chart,the voltage on the
display screen.
3. One set of classroomlights will be turned on. Read and record on your chart, the
voltage on the display screen.
4. Both sets of classroom lights will be turned on. Read and record on your chart,
the voltage on the display screen.
5. Place a 40 watt light bulb in your clamp on light. Plug in the light. Hold the light
an arms length away from the solar panel. Read and record on your chart, the
voltage on the display screen.
6. Using your ruler, hold the light 12 inches away from solar panel. Read and
record.
7. Using your ruler, hold the light 6 inches away from solar panel. Read and record.
8. Turn off light and let it cool.
9. Replace 40 watt light bulb with a 60 watt bulb and repeat steps 5,6,7 & 8.
10. Replace 60 watt light bulb with a 100 watt bulb and repeat steps 5,6,7 & 8.
11. After turning off the clamp on light, students will discuss with their group their
fiinding and record what they have concluded from this activity on their chart.
Evaluation
1. Students will remain on task and will cooperate with their group members.
2. Students will record their readings and then draw a conclusion after the activity.
3. The teacher will circulate throughout the room and assess for understanding of
directions and what they have concluded based on their recordings.
12 inches above
Voltage
40 watt bulb
60 watt bulb
100 watt bulb
Conclusion
6 inches above
Voltage
Conclusion
Day 3
Objective: Students will use their solar panel and Digital Multimeter outside to gather
readings using sunlight on each side of the building. They will then conclude whether
sunlight creates more voltage than lamp light.
Introduction: We will discuss whether the students think the sunlight will generate
more voltage than the lamp light.
Materials needed will be located in the tub labeled for each lab station.
3 volt solar cell
Digital Multimeter
Red Jumper
Black Jumper
Black clip lead
Red clip lead
Piece of paper
Instructions
1. Get out the Digital Multimeter (DMM). Set the dial to 20 volt DC range turning it
to the right side of the meter.
2. Plug the Black Jumper into the Black Solar Panel jack.
3. Connect one end of the Black clip lead to the other end of the black jumper.
4. Connect the other end of the black clip lead to the Black DMM Lead.
5. Plug the Red Jumper into the Red Solar Panel jack.
6. Connect one end of the Red clip lead to the other end of the Red Jumper.
Procedure
1. Get out the chart for Day 3 that you will be recording voltage.
2. We will exit the building to the West. Our first reading will be on the West side
of the building. Your team will set the solar panel and DMM on the grass at the
top of the hill, facing West and get your reading. Please handle the solar panel
and DMM carefully. Get your reading and record on your chart.
3. We will then move to the South side of the building. We will place the solar
panel and DMM on the grass behind the sidewalk facing South. Get your reading
and record on your chart.
4. We will then move to the East side of the building and place the solar panel and
DMM on the grass facing East. Get your reading and record.
5. We will then move to the North side of the building and place the solar panel and
DMM on the grass facing North. Get your reading and record.
6. We will now locate and position our panel directly facing the sun. Get your
reading and record.
7. Leaving your solar panel and DMM where they are we are now going to place a
sheet of paper to cover half of the solar panel. We will leave it covered for 30
seconds. Get your reading and record.
9
8. Leaving your solar panel and DMM where they are we are now going to place a
sheet of paper to cover the whole solar panel. We will leave it covered for 30
seconds. Get your reading and record.
Evaluation
1.
2.
3.
4.
Students will remain on task and cooperate with their group members.
Students will record their readings and then draw a conclusion after the activity.
Students will handle their equipment with care throughout our activity.
The teacher will circulate throughout the groups and assess for understanding of
Directions and what they have concluded based on their recordings.
Day 4/5
Objective: The students will construct a solar oven.
Introduction:
Students will work in their lab groups to construct a pizza oven. Activity was
obtained through the U.S. Department of Energy-Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy Roofus Solar and Efficient Home website.
www1.eere.energy.gov/kids/roofus/printable_version/pizza_box.html
Materials needed:
Everything will be located in tubs labeled for each lab station.
One large pizza box
Newspapers
Tape
Scissors
Black construction paper
Clear plastic wrap
Aluminum foil
A piece of notebook paper
A pencil or pen
A ruler
Instructions
1. Start with pizza box folded into its box shape and closed.
2. Place the piece of notebook paper in the center of the lid of the box and trace
its outline on the lid. Set piece of paper aside.
3. Cut two the two long edges and the short edge closest to the front of the box.
of the rectangle that you just traced on the lid of the box. This should form a
flap in the lid.
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4.
5.
Gently fold the flap back along the uncut edge to form a crease.
Wrap the underside (inside) face of this flap with aluminum foil. Tape it on
the outside so that the foil is held firmly. Try to keep the tape from showing
on the foil side of the flap. The foil will help to reflect the sunlight into the
box.
6. Open the box and place a piece of black construction paper in so it fits the
bottom of the box. This will help to absorb the suns heat.
7. Close the box, roll up some newspaper, and fit it around the inside edges of
the box. This is the insulation that helps hold in the suns heat. It should be
about 1 to 1 inches thick. Use tape to hold the newspaper in place, but only
tape it to the bottom of the box.
8. Cut two pieces of plastic wrap an inch larger than the flap opening on the box
top. Open the box again and tape one piece of plastic wrap to the underside of
the flap opening. After taping one side, BE SURE TO PULL THE PLASTIC
WRAP TIGHT, and tape down all four sides so the plastic is sealed against
the cardboard. Then close the box and tape the other piece of plastic wrap to
the top of the open flap. Again, be sure the plastic wrap is tight and tape
down all four edges to form a seal. This creates a layer of air as insulation
that helps keep the suns heat in the box.
9. Were ready to try it out! Well take chocolate chip cookies outside to place
in the box to warm up. Open the box, put the treat in the center and close the
box. Now open the flap and turn the box so the foil is facing the sun. The
shadow of the flap should go straight back on to the back of the box. Move
the flap up and down and note how it reflects the sunlight. Use your ruler to
prop up the flap so that it bounces the sunlight into the box.
10. Wait about a half hour for the box to warm up in the sun. Then enjoy your
warmed up treat !
11. It wont get really hot, so you cant bake things in it. We can only warm
things up.
Evaluation
1.
2.
3.
11
2. Liquid flat plate collector Heats liquid as it flows through tubes in or adjacent to the
absorber plate. This is the simplest liquid system using household water, which is
heated as it passes directly through the collector and then flows to the house.
3. Air flat place collector - These are used basically for solar space heating. The
absorber plates can be metal sheets, layers of screen, or non-metallic materials. The
air flows past the absorber by using natural convection or a fan. Air is not a good
conductor for heat, so less heat is transferred from an air collectors absorber than a
liquid collectors absorber. This is less efficient than liquid collectors.
4. Evacuated tube collector - These can achieve extremely high temperatures (170
degrees F to 350 degrees F). These are more appropriate for commercial and
industrial use. More expensive than flap plate collectors.
5. Alternative energy A non-conventional energy system that includes solar electric
systems, wind generator systems, and small hydro-electric systems.
6. DC Direct Current
7. AC Alternating Current
8. Photon A particle of light that acts as an individual unit of energy.
9. Renewable energy Energy from sources that are not easily depleted such as moving
water (hydro), biomass, geothermal energy, solar energy, and wind energy.
10. Solar Energy Electromagnetic energy transmitted from the sun (solar radiation).
The amount that reaches the earth is equal to one billionth of total solar energy
generated, or the equivalent of about 420 trillion kilowatt hours.
11. Volt A unit of electrical measurement. One volt will cause a current of one ampere
(amp) to flow through a resistance of one ohm.
12
SKILL OBJECTIVES
After completion of this lesson you will have the skills to:
INTRODUCTION
In this lesson you will research wind turbines, test different blades and pitch of wind
turbine making comparisons of the output, formulate an opinion on using wind turbines
as an alternative energy source, and present your findings and opinion to a group in a
debate format.
DMM SETUP
CIRCUIT SETUP
PROCEDURE
1. Complete exercises 1.1 through 1.4.
2. Split the class into 7 groups: farmers for wind farms, farmers against the wind farms,
town people for the wind farms, town people against the wind farms, business and
industry representatives, the wind farm company representatives, the politicians of
that district.
3. Each group will prepare a general statement on their opinion of a wind farm being
placed in their township. Strong support is needed for any statements with sources
cited. General statements will be read at the start of the debate. They should be 2-3
min in length.
4. Groups will be given two days to research in depth and formulate their point of view.
13
5. The third day will culminate the activity with a debate and vote. One person will be
6.
7.
8.
9.
selected to present for their group. This person can be chosen at random or decided
upon ahead of time.
The debate starts with each group stating their opening remarks.
Once everyone has made their statements, the moderator (teacher) will then recognize
speakers who wish to challenge their opponents.
Rebuttal time will be limited to 2-3 min.
Allow the last ten minutes for a "vote" on the decision with a written paragraph
stating how and why the student has selected the opinion.
14
INTRODUCTION
In this lesson you will research wind power from the information on the approved
websites.
DMM SETUP
computer
Internet access
None
CIRCUIT SETUP
None
PROCEDURE
1. With computer on and connected to the Internet, use the browser to navigate to
http://www.nrel.gov/wind/
2. Click on the Wind Basics under Resources.
3. Read the selections on How Wind Turbines Work and Wind Turbine
Applications. Record your notes in your Science Journal.
4. Use the browser to navigate to
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/wind/wind_basics.html
5. Click on the Energy Basics tab on the left.
6. Read each link; How Wind Turbines Work, How Distributed Wind Works,
Advantages and Challenges of its Use, Wind Energy Use Through History, and U.
S. Wind Energy Resource Potential. Record notes on each section in your
notebook.
7. Use the browser to navigate to www.need.org/needpdf/Energy From The Wind
Student Guide.pdf
8. Read Wind Farms pg 13-14. Record notes in your Science Journal from pg.
9. Use the browser to navigate to www.nrel.gov/gis/pdfs/eere_wind/eere_illinois.pdf
Note what areas have higher elevations by county in your science journal. In your
journal record your thoughts as to why these areas would be desirable locations
15
for a wind farm? Note any other factors you think may be important in wind farm
site selection.
16
INTRODUCTION
In this lesson you will measure the wind turbine output comparing the number of blades
from 6 ,4, 3, 2, and finally 1.
DMM SETUP
CIRCUIT SETUP
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
17
PROCEDURE
1. Create a data table in your science journal.
2. Select 6 blades of the same design.
3. Attach the 6 blades to the crimping hub, making sure they are evenly spaced.
4. Set the pitch at 5 for all the blades using a protractor tool.
5. Attach the crimping hub to the drive shaft, check to be sure it is secure.
6. Observe the DMM as the table fan is turned on high.
7. Watch the meter for a minute and take the highest voltage reading.
8. Record the voltage in your science journal.
9. Turn the fan to off.
10. Disconnect the jumper cables.
11. Turn the DMM to off.
12. Repeat steps 2-11 with 4 blades.
13. Repeat steps 2-11 with 3 blades.
14. Repeat steps 2-11 with 2 blades.
15. Repeat steps 2-11 with 1 blade.
16. Graph your results.
CONCLUSION Formulate a conclusion from this exercise, cite data from your
graph.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
18
SKILL OBJECTIVES
After completion of this lesson you will have the skills to:
1. Change blades of the turbine.
2. Adjust the pitch of turbine blades.
INTRODUCTION
In this lesson you will measure the wind turbine output comparing the pitch of 3 blades.
DMM SETUP
CIRCUIT SETUP
1. Table fan in off position.
2. Connect fan to 110 Volt AC outlet.
3. Distance from fan to turbine is about two feet.
4. Connect black lead to black DMM lead.
5. Connect red lead to red DMM lead.
PROCEDURE
1. Create a data table in your science journal.
2. Select 3 blades of the same design.
3. Attach the blades to the crimping hub, making sure they are evenly spaced.
4. Set the pitch at 0 for all the blades using a protractor tool.
5. Attach the crimping hub to the drive shaft, check to be sure it is secure.
6. Observe the DMM as the table fan is turned on high.
19
7. Watch the meter for a minute and take the highest voltage reading.
8. Record the voltage in your data table.
9. Turn the fan to off.
10. Disconnect the jumper cables.
11. Turn the DMM to off.
12. Repeat steps 4-11 with the pitch at 5.
13. Repeat steps 4-11 with the pitch at 10
14. Repeat steps 4-11 with the pitch at 45.
15. Repeat steps 4-11 with the pitch at 90.
16. Graph your results.
CONCLUSION Formulate a conclusion from this exercise, cite data from your
graph.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
20
INTRODUCTION
In this lesson you will measure the wind turbine output comparing different lengths of
turbine blades.
4 sets of 3 turbine blades in the following lengths: 4", 6", 8", and 10".
crimping hub
protractor tool
assembled wind turbine
fan
DMM
graph paper
DMM SETUP
CIRCUIT SETUP
1. Table fan in off position.
2. Connect fan to 110 Volt AC outlet.
3. Distance from fan to turbine is about two feet.
4. Connect black lead to black DMM lead.
5. Connect red lead to red DMM lead.
PROCEDURE
1. Create a data table in your science journal.
2. Select 3 blades 4" in length.
3. Attach the 3 blades to the crimping hub, making sure they are evenly spaced.
4. Set the pitch at 5 for all the blades using a protractor tool.
5. Attach the crimping hub to the drive shaft, check to be sure it is secure.
6. Observe the DMM as the table fan is turned on high.
7. Watch the meter for a minute and take the highest voltage reading.
21
CONCLUSION Formulate a conclusion from this exercise, cite data from your
graph.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
22
Placement of Lesson
Objective
Procedure
Previous Knowledge
Materials Needed
Cross Curricular
23
Day 1
Objective
Procedure
Evaluation
Procedure
24
Evaluation
Day 4
Objective
Procedure
Evaluation
25
26
MAP PROJECT
You will plan a trip, at least 800 miles from Streator. Once you determine
your destination, you will use Map Quest to confirm the mileage. On your
trip there are many things you must consider. Use the guidelines below to
plan your route, stops, cost of travel etc. You may use any appropriate
websites to help you complete this (ex. Hotels.com)
The maximum driving time per day is 8 hours unless you have a traveler that
can also drive. If so, you may extend daily driving time to 10 hours. This is
not overall time but actual time on the road. You will need to factor this into
your stopping points.
Fill out the attached worksheet as you go. This, along with your travel plan,
is what you will turn in for a grade after completion.
27
28
Now create your travel plan. This will be an agenda with departure times, stop times,
eating times, fueling times, sleeping times etc. You may separate or combine any of
these.
**TRAVEL PLAN**
Departure Time: _________________________________________________________
I plan to drive ______ miles before stopping.
I will need to fuel up for the first time around ___________________ (city, state) and it
will cost approx.. $____________. It will take somewhere around ________ minutes at a
gas station.
Use the example below to create your plan.
EXAMPLE
Departing from: Streator IL
Traveling to: New Orleans, LA
Total Expected Driving Time: 14 hours and 56 minutes
Total Miles: 910
Gas Mileage: 15 gallon tank, 22 mpg : I will need to stop before 330 miles traveled for
gasoline.
Day 1
8:00 am: Depart Streator
11:30 am: Stop for fuel, lunch, and restroom in Edwardsville IL.
Estimated time at stop is 45 minutes.
12:15 depart Edwardsville IL
3:50 pm: arrive Sikeston MO restroom break
Estimated Stop time 15 min.
4:05 leave: Sikeston
5:05 arrive Cape Girardeau MO. Staying for the evening
Eating, and fueling up here.
Hotel: ABC Inn
Cost: $89 a night
Total Driving time: 8 hours 5 minutes
Total time since departure 9 hrs 5 min
Day 2
8 am : leave Cape Girardeau MO
10: 40 am: using the restroom and grabbing a snack, also topping off gas tank in
Memphis TN
29
30
PRE ASSIGNMENT
In the near future we will visit wind turbines. One of the activities we will do is to
calculate the angular speed and linear speed of the blades. This assignment will help
prepare you for the visit and assigned activities.
31
= 30
= 15
y
x=y+z
x
z
45
90
5 ft
90
5 ft
For the trip to the wind turbine, please have with you:
Pencil
Calculator
Clipboard
Good attitude
This completed pre-assignment sheet
32
Materials:
o
o
o
o
o
o
Stopwatch
Estes Rocket Altitrak
Calculators
Clipboards
Assignment sheet and pencil
Map of area including point from which to measure angle of elevations and
ground distance to wind turbine.
Previous knowledge:
Pre-assignment:
33
Procedure:
The following will be performed at a wind turbine site. You will work with one or two
other students in a group. Record the names of the students in your group and the date
below. Each student must complete their own assignment sheet.
Name:
Date:
Partners:
Part A:
1. Pick one blade and watch it through several revolutions. Time the blade through
one complete revolution. Record the data 4 times.
2. Convert the data from revolutions per second to revolutions per minute.
Suggestions:
Start and stop the stopwatch as the blade passes by the tower base.
If one revolution is too fast, or your times are not consistent, then
allow the blade to go two or three revolutions.
A
Number of
revolutions
B
Time (seconds)
C
# revolutions /
time (A/B)
D
conversion
60 seconds /
minute
60 seconds /
minute
60 seconds /
minute
60 seconds /
minute
34
E
Revolutions /
minute (RPM)
CXD
Part B:
1. Go to the designated location to determine the height of the tower (see map).
Record the distance from the wind turbine from the map: ____________
2. Locate the correct wind turbine.
3. Use the Estes Altitrak to determine the angle of elevation.
Record the angle of elevation: ____________
4. Draw and label a right triangle such that the adjacent side to the angle of elevation
is the distance to the tower and the opposite side is the height of the tower
35
Part C:
5. Calculate the distance from the tip of the blade to the ground.
6. To determine the length of the blade, subtract the distance in number 5 from the
distance in number 1.
36
Group 1
Group 2
Names
Angular Speed
Height of tower
Length of turbine blade
Calculate the linear speed of a bug riding the tip of the blade.
Calculate the linear speed of a bug riding on the blade 10 feet from the hub.
37
Reflection
This activity was useless in helping me understand any of the objectives. I still do
not understand ____________________.
____ This activity helped me visualize and understand the objectives.
____ Just reading the book and a quick lecture would have been good enough for
understanding the concepts.
38
This lesson will look at alternative sustainable energy system the student will use to
power their home. At least 25% of the electrical systems in the student design will be
powered through the use of alternative sustainable energy systems. In addition, the
student will work with a technical drafting student to plan the hardware, circuitry,
plumbing and mounting requirements for their system.
Lecture suggestions:
Solar Energy
Wind Turbine
Fuel Cells
Bio Fuels
Geothermal Energy
Hydroelectric Systems
Knowledge Objectives:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Biofuel
Biomass
Geothermal
Hydro power
Solar power
Tidal power
Wave power
Wind power
Renewable energy is energy generated from natural resources, such as sunlight, wind,
rain, tides and geothermal heat, which are renewable (naturally replenished).
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
Sustainable energy is the provision of energy such that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
BROADER INTERPRETATION
A broader interpretation may allow inclusion of fossil fuels and nuclear fission as
transitional sources while technology develops, as long as new sources are developed for
future generations to use.
NARROWER INTERPRETATION
A narrower interpretation includes only energy sources which are not expected to deplete
in a time frame relevant to the human race.
Resources:
Siemens (www.powergeneration.siemens.com)
40
DAY
TIME: 43 minutes per day
FORMAT: Instructor lead lecture
OBJECTIVES: Energy Overview Chapter 2
Introduction
Energy Production & Construction
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
o EXERCISE 2.1 - Review Material Available from NREL
Energy Types
o Atomic
o Chemical
o Electrical
o Heat
o Light
o Magnetic
o Mechanical
o Pressure
o Sound
Summary
DAY
TIME: 43 Minutes per day
FORMAT: Laboratory work
OBJECTIVES: Renewable Energy Monitor Chapter 5
Introduction
Installing Software
o EXERCISE 5.1 - Install Renewable Energy Monitor Software
o EXERCISE 5.2 - Become Familiar with Renewable Energy Monitor
Software
DAY 5
TIME: 43 Minutes
FORMAT: Laboratory work
OBJECTIVES: Solar Panels
41
Introduction
Labs
o EXERCISE 7.1 - Measure Solar Panel Output
o EXERCISE 7.2 - Power Motor with Solar Cell
o EXERCISE 7.3 - Observe Effect of Various Light Levels on Solar Cell
Summary
DAY 6
TIME: 43 Minutes
FORMAT: Laboratory work
OBJECTIVES: Wind Turbines
Introduction
Labs
o EXERCISE 9.1 - Assemble Wind Turbine
o EXERCISE 9.2 - Test Wind Turbine
o EXERCISE 9.3 - Change Wind Turbine Blades & Measure
Summary
DAY 7
TIME: 43 Minutes
FORMAT: Laboratory work
OBJECTIVES: Fuel Cells and Zero Emissions Car
Introduction
Labs
o EXERCISE 11.1 - Set Up Fuel Cell Assembly
o EXERCISE 11.2 - Purging the Fuel Cell
o EXERCISE 11.3 - Battery Powered Water Electrolysis
o EXERCISE 11.4 - Zero Emissions Fuel Cell Car Operation
Summary
DAY 8/9/10
TIME: 43 Minutes per day
FORMAT: Internet Research
OBJECTIVES: Choose Renewable Energy System for Home Design Project
Introduction
Portfolio Research
o Type of Renewable Energy to be Used
o Size and Model of Design
42
DAY 11/12
TIME: 39 Minutes (ACCESS) per day
FORMAT: Team Meeting
OBJECTIVES: Contractor Meeting for Home Design Project
Introduction
Portfolio
o Renewable Energy Discussion
o Size and Model of Design
o Equipment Design Needs
o Timeline for Project
Contractor Requirement for Home Design Project
Schedule additional contractor meeting
DAY ???
TIME: 39 Minutes (ACCESS) per day
FORMAT: Team Meeting
OBJECTIVES: Contractor Meeting for Home Design Project
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Summary: Students research, report on, and discuss various sources of energy.
Students analyze and evaluate energy sources and develop plans for their home and for
the country.
Context
Audience
Introductory college level/general education course in environmental science.
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Goals
Content/concepts goals for this activity
Students can assess the costs and benefits of a variety of energy sources. They can
research and describe the history of the source, its current uses, the positive and negative
consequences of its use, and its prospects for inclusion in a sustainable energy plan.
Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity
Students must be able to evaluate data on energy sources to develop an assessment of the
consequences of their use. Students must be able to evaluate a variety of energy sources
and incorporate their findings into the development of a comprehensive energy plan.
Other skills goals for this activity
Students must be able to use the internet to collect information. Students must be able to
share collected information with their peers. Students must be able to assemble
information and conclusions into a coherent written paper with properly cited resources.
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The materials will be incorporated into a project web site, including guidelines (and
outline), resources, and grade sheet.
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Assessment
There should be grading rubrics that assesses all areas including data collection and
analysis and clarity of presentation.
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Geothermal
o NREL, Geothermal: http://www.nrel.gov/geothermal/
Biomass
o NREL, Biomass: http://www.nrel.gov/biomass/
o Ethanol Laws and Incentives: http://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/laws/3252
o DOE Fuel Economy: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/ethanol.shtml
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Learning Objectives:
Introduction:
In the United States and much of the world, a significant portion of our energy is
produced by nonrenewable fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. Fossil fuels will
eventually dwindle and become very expensive to use. They also cause irreversible
damage to our environment. Renewable energy resources such as wind, solar,
hydroelectric and biofuels are much more sustainable than fossil fuels (Renewable
Energy Basics).
Biomass energy, energy derived from plants or plant-derived materials, can be used to
create fuel and power that would normally be created from fossil fuels. The benefits of
using biomass to produce energy include the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,
reduction of our dependence on foreign countries for oil, and support of our US
agriculture and forest industries.
Biomass, unlike some other renewable energy sources, is often changed directly into
liquid fuels known as biofuels. Two common biofuels include ethanol and biodiesel.
Ethanol, a type of alcohol, is commonly produced from fermentation of carbohydrates
such as starch or sugar. Today, scientists are working on technology that will allow
ethanol to be produced from cellulose, a polysaccharide that is found in the cell walls of
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Materials:
Paper Slurry-Shredded paper added to a 5-gallon bucket mixed with warm water. Mix
approximately 2 parts water to one part paper. Allow to soak overnight and blend in a
kitchen blender until it has the consistency of a thin liquid.
1% Cellulase Solution-Add 10 g of cellulase (available from Carolina Biological Supply)
to a liter of distilled water
Yeast Suspension-1 gram dry yeast (available at grocery store) per 100 ml of distilled
water.
Benedicts Solution in dropper bottles
Test Tubes
250 ml Flasks
Fermentation Tubes
Hot Water Baths
Millimeter Rules
Metal Mesh Strainer
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Add 20 drops of Benedicts reagent to each tube and place them in a hot water
bath. Record any color change you see in the data table. Benedicts changes
green to reddish orange in the presence of reducing sugars like glucose,
orange/reddish colors indicate high concentrations of these sugars.
3. Add 10 ml of 1% cellulase solution to the flask labeled digestion (BioFuels:
Cellulose Lab Investigation Sheet ). Leave the control flask unaltered. Cover the
tops of the flasks with plastic wrap and allow the solution to sit overnight.
4. After the solutions sit for at least 24 hours, use the metal strainer to filter both
solutions into new flasks. Test both solutions for the presence of sugars as
described in step 2 above. Record any color changes you see in the data table.
5. Add 10 ml of your digested paper solution to a fermentation tube labeled D. Fill
the rest of the tube with yeast suspension. Repeat this process for your control
flask into a fermentation tube labeled C. Make sure you label the fermentation
tubes with your initials. Allow the tubes to sit at room temperature for
approximately 24 hours. Measure the bubble production in the tubes.
Digested Paper
Control Paper
Why dont you have to continually add cellulase throughout the process as it digests?
Why does the paper/yeast solution have to be cut off from air for fermentation to occur?
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References
BioFuels: Cellulose Lab Investigation Sheet [Lab Guide]. (n.d.). Retrieved July 11, 2013,
from Environmental Literacy and Inquiry Working Group at Lehigh University website:
http://www.ei.lehigh.edu/eli/energy/resources/handouts/labs/biofuel_cellulose_lab_stude
nt.pdf
Cellulase Production [Fact sheet]. (n.d.). Retrieved July 11, 2013, from Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations website:
http://www.fao.org/docrep/w7241e/w7241e08.htm
Mader, S. S. (2009). Inquiry into life (13th ed.). Mcgraw-Hill.
Ragauskas, A. J. (n.d.). Chemical Composition of Wood [Fact sheet]. Retrieved July 11,
2013, from
http://www.ipst.gatech.edu/faculty/ragauskas_art/technical_reviews/Chemical%20Overvi
ew%20of%20Wood.pdf
Renewable Energy Basics [Fact sheet]. (n.d.). Retrieved July 11, 2013, from National
Renewable Energy Laboratory website: http://www.nrel.gov/learning/re_basics.html
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QUESTION #1: Examine the line graph and draw and vertical line in blue through the
high volt production for each of the speeds. At what distance would you position the
Wind turbine from the fan to maximize energy production considering variable wind
speeds throughout the year.
Chosen distance ____cm.
Explain why you chose this distance.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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Low
20
40
60
80
100
2nd
meter
stick
(cm)
20
40
60
80
100
Med.
High
Average
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73
93
113
133
153
173
193
213
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Data Chart 1: Wind Turbine Volt Production
Use color pencils to plot the # of Volts generated by winds of the three fan speeds.
Assign an appropriate range for Volts for the Y axis. Draw four lines: yellow for low,
green for medium, red for high, and blue for average.
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53
73
93
113
153
173
19
213
233 cm.
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Distance to
obstruction
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
Low
Med.
High
Average
Use color pencils to plot the # of Volts generated by winds of the three fan speeds in graph 2
below. Assign an appropriate range for Volts for the Y axis. Use four lines: Yellow for low,
green for medium, red for high and blue for average.
20
40
60
80
100
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5. What assumptions can be made from the data graphed in this activity?
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2. COURSE OVERVIEW
Participants will be introduced to basic concepts in renewable energy (wind, solar, biofuels, and geothermal/solarthermal) in project-based format. In wind energy, for
example, participants will be introduced to basic concepts while working in teams to
build a mini wind farm. This project will be utilized to illustrate how renewable energy
projects can be completed in a classroom with readily available or inexpensive materials,
by students of varying ages/varying levels of expertise, and with a focus on any of a
variety of concepts; for example:
- In science: Using hand held test equipment
- In math: The relationship between force, magnetic field strength and
induced voltage
- In industrial technology: Building the tower and siting the turbine
- In electricity: Wiring and the importance of color coding
- In business: The costs of wind energy
- In agriculture: The impact wind energy on agriculture
- In history or current affairs: Results of a brown out in a region
- In government: The role the state of Illinois is playing in encouraging
wind energy
- In communication: Writing instructions for assembling the wind farm or
delivering a persuasive pitch for wind energy
Participants will develop a module or project for use in their course(s).
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Engineering, Go For It
http://www.egfi-k12.org/
Wind Power Lesson
http://teachers.egfi-k12.org/lesson-wind-power/
For Teachers
http://teachers.egfi-k12.org/
Federal Resources for Educational Excellence
http://free.ed.gov/subjects.cfm?Subjects_id=249&res_feature_request=1
Florida Solar Energy Center http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/education/k12/index.htm
Greening Schools: A Project by the Illinois EPA and WMRC
http://greeningschools.org/resources/view_cat_teacher.cfm?id=134
GreenLearning Canada: re-energy.ca Plans for building models of wind
turbines, solar ovens, etc. http://www.re-energy.ca
Green Teacher; Education for Planet Earth (commercial magazine site)
http://greenteacher.com/
Horizon Wind Energy; For teachers, kids, and consumers
http://www.horizonwind.com/about/ftkc/
InfinitePower.org (Texas State Energy Conservation Office)
http://www.infinitepower.org/lessonplans.htm
James Madison University; Alternative Energy Educational Resources
http://aeer.cisat.jmu.edu/activities.html
KidWind Project
http://learn.kidwind.org/
Teacher Resources
http://learn.kidwind.org/teach
WindWise Education
http://learn.kidwind.org/windwise
Minnesota Energy Careers; Educators Resources in Energy
http://www.iseek.org/industry/energy/education/curriculum.html
National Energy Education Development Project, K-12 Curriculum Guides
http://www.need.org/Guides-Subject.php
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
www.nrel.gov
Low resolution photos
http://www.nrel.gov/data/pix/searchpix.html
Education Programs
http://www.nrel.gov/education/
NEED Project: Putting Energy into Education, Transportation Fuels:
Biodiesel Curriculum Projects http://www.biodiesel.org
Ohio Energy Project (Solar Curriculum)
http://www.ohioenergy/org/need.html
ScienceEducation.gov - Supporting Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics Education for America
http://www.scienceeducation.gov/
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Participants will also utilize laboratory manuals for the renewable energy trainers that
will be used in the course.
Additional readings/resources will be provided by the instructor as needed.
6. UNITS OF WORK:
The course will be divided into five units: one unit in each of the types of renewable
energy (wind, solar, bio-fuel, and geothermal/solarthermal) and one unit in
development, preparation and presentation of a renewable energy project
implementation plan.
UNIT
1: Wind Energy
Hours 6.5*
2: Solar Energy
Hours 6.5*
3: Bio-Fuels
Hours 6.5*
CONTENT
Research supporting
wind energy:
needs
resources
activities
Research supporting
solar photovoltaic
energy:
needs
resources
activities
Research supporting
bio-fuels energy:
needs
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LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Reading, web searches, learning
activities, small group work and lab
reporting
Texts/readings: Lab Volt lab
manuals, web sites.
Reading, web searches, learning
activities, small group work and lab
reporting
Texts/readings: Lab Volt lab
manuals, web sites
Reading, web searches, learning
activities, small group work and lab
reporting
4: Geothermal/
Solarthermal
Hours 6.5*
5: Project
Implementation
Plan
Hours: 27 32.5
resources
activities
Research supporting
geothermal /
solarthermal energy:
needs
resources
activities
Group work on
implementation report
and presentation
7. CLASS ASSIGNMENTS
1. Laboratory reports. At the end of each unit, submit a laboratory/unit report.
2. Classroom participation activities. Participate in class, team activities, and lab
activities.
3. Prepare/deliver an oral project presentation.
4. Prepare/ submit a written project implementation plan.
8. GRADES/EVALUATIION
Labs
Renewable energy project presentation
Renewable energy project implementation plan
9. BIBLIOGRAPHY
See readings/resources above.
10. ATTENDANCE POLICY
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40%
30%
30%
Students are expected to attend all classes, and absences will affect the final course
grade. If absence from class is unavoidable, it is the students responsibility to
explain the absence to the instructor and arrange to complete any work missed.
11. ACADEMIC HONESTY
Students are expected to maintain academic honesty by doing their own work.
Academic dishonesty (cheating or plagiarism, etc.) will result in the students
receiving a zero for that assignment and may result in the student being withdrawn
from the course.
Development of this course was supported by National Science Foundation grant #1003730, Preparing a
New Workforce for a Sustainable Economy.
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Additional Resources
In addition to the resources listed with the activities and the course syllabus (in the
Appendix), see the following:
Illinois Valley Community College, National Science Foundation Grant Web Site
Information on wind energy careers, IVCCs Wind Energy Technician
Certificates, and NSF grant activities for the wind energy programs.
http://www.ivcc.edu/nsf
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